From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, parents from all corners of the globe came to Marine Military Academy for Parent’s Weekend. Within those days, MMA hosted several special events to celebrate its 48th anniversary, including a first-class parade and ball.
On Thursday, Oct. 31, the MMA Parents Organization hosted the “Night at the Museum” reception in the Iwo Jima Museum & Gift Shop. Dressed for the occasion – in Halloween attire! – the parents enjoyed food and beverages and were able to enter a pumpkin-carving contest.
MMA held its 48th Anniversary Parade on Friday, Nov. 1 on the MMA Parade Grounds. Held every year since 1965, the parade also commemorated the 238th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. The stands were packed with parents, siblings and other relatives who proudly watched the cadets march the field identical to the finest servicemen.
The Homecoming Game followed a few hours later at MMA’s Bowman Stadium. The MMA Leathernecks battled and defeated the Pharr Oratory Ocelots with a score of 47 to 6.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, all cadets and family members gathered for the 48th Anniversary Birthday Ball. Birthday Ball guests first attended a dinner banquet in a dazzling, fiesta-themed setting in the Mess Hall. This year, dinner guests were treated to native songs of Mexico by a live mariachi band.
At the Birthday Ball ceremony, held in King Gym, Guest of Honor Michael C. Gross, Class of 1980, enthusiastically spoke of his experience at MMA and explained how his education at MMA not only gave him an edge in college, but in his military career and civilian career. Mr. Gross is top criminal defense attorney based out of San Antonio.
After Mr. Gross’ speech, Superintendent Col R. Glenn Hill freed his sword to cut the grand birthday cake. Per tradition, the guest of honor and the youngest cadet received the first slices of cake. This year, the youngest cadet was eighth-grader Alejandro Garza Rodriguez of Tampico, Mexico.
The final highlight of the Birthday Ball was the mother-and-son dance, which kicked off the dancing for the rest of the evening.
Click to see and/or download photos of Parent’s Weekend
Click to see and/or download photos of the 48th Anniversary Parade
Click to see and/or download photos of the 48th Birthday Ball
